• Ep. 318: Still Not Nice, feat. Beatrice Jin
    Jan 6 2025

    This week we're joined again by Beatrice Jin! Beatrice is a black belt competitor and coach from Kogaion Academy in Arlington, Virginia. In this episode, we continue our conversation from Beatrice's last visit about how to "stop being nice" when sparring. Topics include the essential concepts of assertiveness and aggressiveness in BJJ, the cultural influences that shape one’s approach to the sport, the significance of a competitive mindset, the necessity of pushing personal boundaries during training, and the importance of consent and managing expectations in training environments.

    Follow Beatrice on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/berimbozo

    Train with Beatrice at Kogaion Academy:
    https://www.kogaionacademy.org/

    Check out Beatrice's awesome merch @ Butt Scooter:
    https://buttscooterjiujitsu.com/


    Mental models discussed in this episode:

    BJJMM Ep. 284: Stop Being Nice, feat. Beatrice Jin
    https://bjj.plus/284


    Mental models discussed in this episode:

    • Defensive Thinking
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/defensive-thinking/

    • Position Over Submission
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/position-over-submission/

    • The Golden Rule
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/golden-rule/


    Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!

    If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.

    Sign up here for a free trial:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/


    Need more BJJ Mental Models?

    Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/

    Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

    Follow us on social:
    https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
    https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

    Music by Enterprize:
    https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

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    54 mins
  • Mini Ep. 35: Tokui Waza
    Jan 2 2025

    In this week's mini-episode we explain tokui waza, a concept from Judo and traditional martial arts. Translating roughly to "favorited technique" or "special skill," tokui waza refers to the tendency of martial artists to develop and leverage a few techniques they're especially good at. Tokui waza is important to understand because it helps us break the misconception that the best in the world are good at everything. Much like the pro wrestlers, they develop "finishing moves," or tokui waza.

    Before you listen to this episode, check out:

    Mini Ep. 34: Zone of Genius
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/16337686-mini-ep-34-zone-of-genius

    Mini Ep. 33: Layers of Strategy
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/16303959-mini-ep-33-layers-of-strategy

    Mini Ep. 32: Funneling
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/16266002-mini-ep-32-funneling

    Mini Ep. 31: Asymmetric Warfare
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/16225783-mini-ep-31-asymmetric-warfare

    Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro


    Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!

    If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.

    Sign up here for a free trial:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/


    Need more BJJ Mental Models?

    Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/

    Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

    Follow us on social:
    https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
    https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

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    7 mins
  • Ep. 317: Takedown Safety, feat. Max Schneider
    Dec 30 2024

    This week we're joined by Max Schneider! Max is a BJJ black belt under Justin Flores, as well as a national Judo champion and Olympic alternate, 2x Illinois state wrestling champion, and former D1 wrestler. In this episode, Max explores the philosophy and techniques behind safe and effective takedown training. Topics include the importance of warmup and falling techniques, various types of breakfalls, the differences in approach between Judo and Jiu-Jitsu, adapting techniques to various body types, and integrating foot sweeps as low-risk takedown options.

    Follow Max on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/onejudoka/

    Subscribe to Max on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@onejudoka

    Learn from Max on Patreon:
    https://www.patreon.com/onejudoka


    Mental models discussed in this episode:

    • Surface Area
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area/

    • Incremental Learning
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/incremental-learning/

    • Win Conditions
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/win-conditions/

    • Committed Techniques
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/committed-techniques/

    • Return on Investment
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/return-on-investment/

    • Tokui Waza
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/tokui-waza/

    • Momentum
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/momentum/

    • Curse of Knowledge
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/curse-of-knowledge/

    • Opening Salvos
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/opening-salvos/

    • Head Position
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/head-position/

    • Ecological Dynamics
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics/


    Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!

    If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.

    Sign up here for a free trial:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/


    Need more BJJ Mental Models?

    Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/

    Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

    Follow us on social:
    https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
    https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

    Music by Enterprize:
    https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Mini Ep. 34: Zone of Genius
    Dec 26 2024

    In this week's mini-episode we explain the so-called "zone of genius:" a concept that encourages us to spend our time in the areas where we're most passionate and talented. This has implications for Jiu-Jitsu strategy: We should build a gameplan that takes the fight to places where we are the most exceptional. In terms of our skill development, this means we're best off doubling down on our strengths. Instead of trying to "get good at everything" (which is impossible), we should "get good enough" to avoid losing in our areas of weaknesses, but be exceptional within our areas of strength. As the old saying goes, we want to avoid being a jack of all trades but a master of none.

    Before you listen to this episode, check out:

    Mini Ep. 33: Layers of Strategy
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16303959-mini-ep-33-layers-of-strategy

    Mini Ep. 32: Funneling
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16266002-mini-ep-32-funneling

    Mini Ep. 31: Asymmetric Warfare
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16225783-mini-ep-31-asymmetric-warfare

    Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro


    Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!

    If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.

    Sign up here for a free trial:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/


    Need more BJJ Mental Models?

    Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/

    Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

    Follow us on social:
    https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
    https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

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    9 mins
  • Ep. 316: Content Overload, feat. Jake Luigi
    Dec 23 2024

    This week we're joined again by Jake Luigi from Less Impressed More Involved and Outlier DB! In this episode, Jake discusses a problem we can all relate to: content overload in BJJ. Jake shares great advice on choosing what to study in a world where quality Jiu-Jitsu content is plentiful but time is scarce.

    Follow Jake on Instagram:
    https://www.instagram.com/limibjj/

    Subscribe to Less Impressed More Involved on YouTube:
    https://www.youtube.com/@LIMIBJJ

    Check out Outlier DB:
    https://outlierdb.com/


    Mental models discussed in this episode:

    • Inversion
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/inversion/

    • Analysis Paralysis
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/analysis-paralysis/

    • Feedback Loop
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/feedback-loop/

    • Cognitive Load
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/cognitive-load/

    • Concepts Over Techniques
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/concepts-over-techniques/

    • Ecological Dynamics
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/ecological-dynamics/


    Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!

    If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.

    Sign up here for a free trial:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/


    Need more BJJ Mental Models?

    Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/

    Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

    Follow us on social:
    https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
    https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

    Music by Enterprize:
    https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • Mini Ep. 33: Layers of Strategy
    Dec 19 2024

    In this week's mini-episode we explain the layers of strategy: every good plan needs a solid foundation and a flexible perimeter. This concept applies to all manner of strategies, both on and off the mats.

    Before you listen to this episode, check out:

    Mini Ep. 32: Funneling
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16266002-mini-ep-32-funneling

    Mini Ep. 31: Asymmetric Warfare
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16225783-mini-ep-31-asymmetric-warfare

    Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro


    Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!

    If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.

    Sign up here for a free trial:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/


    Need more BJJ Mental Models?

    Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/

    Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

    Follow us on social:
    https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
    https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

    Show More Show Less
    11 mins
  • Ep. 315: Defensive Angles, feat. Priit Mihkelson
    Dec 16 2024

    This week we're joined again by Defensive BJJ coach and BJJMM fan-favorite guest Priit Mihkelson! In this episode, Priit discusses the importance of angles when defending from inferior positions. Priit explains concepts for finding the correct angle when defending from the bottom, such as maintaining a 45° angle relative to the floor after your legs have been cleared, and how "making a capital T" by positioning your body perpendicular to your opponent can prevent them from wrapping their arm around your head.

    Follow Priit on social:
    https://www.instagram.com/priit_mihkelson
    https://www.facebook.com/priit.mihkelson

    Buy Priit's instructionals on BJJ Fanatics:
    https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/priit-mihkelson

    Learn from Priit on Defensive BJJ:
    https://www.defensivebjj.com/

    Watch Priit's BJJ Globetrotters seminars:
    https://www.bjjglobetrotters.com/category/videos/instructors/priit-mihkelson/


    Mental models discussed in this episode:

    • Mirrored Stances
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/mirrored-stances/

    • Constraints-Led Approach
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/constraints-led-approach/

    • You Are What You Train
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/you-are-what-you-train/

    • Alignment Over Position
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/alignment-over-position/

    • The Map Is not the Territory
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/the-map-is-not-the-territory/

    • Labeling
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/labeling/

    • Force Vectors
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/force-vectors/

    • Priit's 45° Rule
      https://bjjmentalmodels.com/priits-45-degree-rule/


    Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!

    If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.

    Sign up here for a free trial:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/


    Need more BJJ Mental Models?

    Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/

    Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

    Follow us on social:
    https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
    https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

    Music by Enterprize:
    https://enterprize.bandcamp.com/

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Mini Ep. 32: Funneling
    Dec 12 2024

    In this week's mini-episode we explain funneling, a key concept for building Jiu-Jitsu strategies. The idea is to build "funnels," or pathways to where we have an unfair/asymmetric advantage. A good gameplan uses funnels to "connect the dots" so no matter where a match goes, you have a viable pathway to your strongest positions.

    Before you listen to this episode, check out:

    Mini Ep. 31: Asymmetric Warfare
    https://podcast.bjjmentalmodels.com/243161/episodes/16225783-mini-ep-31-asymmetric-warfare

    Get our Intro to Mechanics audio course, normally $79, FREE:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/freeintro


    Don't forget to check out BJJ Mental Models Premium!

    If you love the podcast, you'll definitely love our premium membership offerings. The podcast is truly just the tip of the iceberg – the next steps on your journey are joining our community, downloading our strategy courseware, and working with us to optimize your game. We do all this through memberships that come in at a fraction of the cost of a single private.

    Sign up here for a free trial:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/


    Need more BJJ Mental Models?

    Get tips, tricks, and breakthrough insights from our newsletter:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/newsletter/

    Get nitty-gritty details on our mental models from the full database:
    https://bjjmentalmodels.com/database/

    Follow us on social:
    https://facebook.com/bjjmentalmodels/
    https://instagram.com/bjjmentalmodels/

    Show More Show Less
    9 mins